Originally published by IAMWYNWOOD here.
The Wynwood Coloring Book. Art by Jorge Rodriguez (@rodridesigns) Photo courtesy of: @wynwoodcoloringbook on Instagram.
Kids, don’t let your parents convince you that game night is a waste of your time, especially if you’re creative! For Wynwood Coloring Book creator Diego Orlandini, one game night brought on inspiration that some power-meetings can only dream of: a 64-page coloring book for adults featuring over 40 black and white recreations of popular Wynwood murals.
Monsters mural by Jorge Rodriguez (@rodridesigns) Photo courtesy of: Jorge Rodriguez
“We were just another group of friends gathered in Wynwood for a game night,” Orlandini explains. “We became side-tracked after discovering a coloring book for adults, and found it was relaxing, entertaining and provided a much-needed mental break.” However, the mandalas – popular imagery featured in the relatively new genre of stress-relieving books – soon became… well, uninteresting to the group. The leap was made from page to immediate surroundings and spark! “We realized, then, we’d love to be coloring the murals and street art which surrounds us every day in our favorite neighborhood.” Wynwood Coloring Book was born.
Writer, explorer and graphic designer Diego Orlandini. Photo courtesy of: Diego Orlandini
For writer and graphic designer Diego Orlandini, creating the initial concept was a quiet and lengthy process. He worked on the book privately and patiently for many months before approaching his creative friends at HGAB Magazine (www.hgabmag.com) with the idea. “They loved it and immediately jumped on-board,” says Orlandini of the multi-talented group at HGAB, which provided outreach and social media assistance, as well as help in curating and creating promotional content.
With over 40 authentic recreations, Wynwood Coloring Book offers something for everyone. “I really wanted to make a coloring book that was truly representative of Wynwood,” Orlandini shares. “I looked for pieces with various levels of complexity, and I’m proud to say we feature some of the best artists who have decorated Wynwood – past and present.” The artist roster is comprised of out-standing rising talents, established locals and world-renowned artists alike. “Of course, all the pieces we picked are also fun to color!”
The Wynwood Coloring Book. Art by DaveL (@davel_art) Photo courtesy of: @wynwoodcoloringbook on Instagram.
The Wynwood Coloring Book. Art by The London Police (@thelondonpolice) Photo courtesy of: @wynwoodcoloringbook on Instagram.
The compact 8×8 coloring book published by Miami-based AimfulMedia LLC (www.aimfulmedia.com) is wire-o-bound and printed on wood-free paper. It has received an outstanding response in its pre-order stages and may be considered volume one, with multiple volumes to follow. “I would like to give many more artists a chance to be a part of this unique Wynwood collection,” says Orlandini.
